Lincoln High School football preview 2012

HEAD COACH: ROBERT HAMPTONYEAR WITH TEAM: 8THTEAM'S 2011 RECORD: 7-3RECORD AT LINCOLN: 38-34

TYPE OF OFFENSE: Spread

OFFENSIVE STRENGTHS

After an impressive junior season, quarterback Isiah Roberts is back to command the Lions' spread offense, which features senior wide receiver Steven Jones (6-3, 190 pounds). The duo hooked up for seven touchdowns and 500 yards last year, en route to first team all-HCIAL White Division nods.

At running back, sophomores Eli Terry and Tyquan Simmons figure to be the primary ball carriers, with Quasar Hopkins also getting touches. The multi-talented Tyrik Darby will be a wild card on offense, lining up at receiver and running back, as Darius Wade,
Jerrell Payne, Terry Linyard and Bradley Moisoma fill out the receiving corps.

"I think we're going to throw the ball very well. That's probably our biggest strength," said coach Robert Hampton. "This team has the potential to be the most explosive team I've ever coached because of the number of playmakers on the offenseive side of the ball."

Peguero, a team captain and middle linebacker/defensive tackle, will lead the Lions' defense, which returns only four starters from last year. Hopkins (5-10, 175-pounds) will be the team's strong safety, with Greg Eady playing alongside him. Eric Pridgeon, Simeon Jackson, Trevor Mayo and Orlando Romero comprise the linebacker contingent.

Tyrik and Frank Darby will be lead the cornerbacks, as Nalls, Graham, Hebron and Robinson make up the Lions' front four on defense.

COACH'S OUTLOOK:

Hampton has been impressed with his team's commitment to conditioning and weight training over the off-season, describing this year's group as a "character-driven team." Hampton believes the Lions have what they need to get back to the playoffs after missing out in 2011 by just power point.

"We learned not to take anything for granted, nothing is guaranteed," Hampton said. "This particular team understands, they're not going to take anything for granted. They understand what they're trying to accomplish."